Virat Kohli smashed an impeccable century against Pakistan on 23rd February 2025 at the iconic Dubai International Cricket Stadium and helped India win their 2nd game on the bounce in the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
An innings that was packed with 7 fours had all the ingredients of being a world-class one. Virat Kohli has always been an embodiment of class, grit and determination and has been placed in an elite batch of cricketers.
Now, Kohli scored a century in this format after 466 days! His last ODI century came in the semi-finals of the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 against New Zealand on 15th November 2023. Virat Kohli scored his 50th ODI Century in that game in Mumbai and surpassed the former Indian talismanic batter, Sachin Tendulkar.
Notably, the “Little Master” had 49 ODI centuries and for Virat to surpass his idol in front of him in a packed stadium in Mumbai, meant the world to the modern-day great. Virat Kohli bowed down to Sachin and showed respect to the legend.
Cut to February 2025 and Virat Kohli has sprung back into his beast mode post that iconic knock against Pakistan. The situation for India on 2nd February 2025 is quite simple. Try out a few combinations and keep the momentum up-top.
For both India and New Zealand have advanced to the semi-finals of the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy 2025 after Bangladesh’s 5-wicket loss on 24th February 2025.
Even though this game is a dead rubber, it will be a golden opportunity for Virat Kohli to carry forward his form and momentum. We all are aware that momentum plays a huge role in cricket and for this very reason, Virat Kohli would be looking to perform well.
What is Virat Kohli’s record against New Zealand?
Virat Kohli loves playing against the Kiwis and has mustered 1645 runs against them at an impeccable average of 58.75. The last time New Zealand played against India in 2023, it was Kohli who scored his 50th ODI century.
Kohli has 6 hundreds and 9 fifties against New Zealand in 31 innings and this underlines his remarkable consistency. The 36-year-old cricketer has an outstanding average of 59.83 in ICC ODI World Cup matches and is the batter with the Midas touch.
